10 Items Every Home Should Have

Here at AD, we like to think beyond the literal meaning of home as shelter. To us, the place where you rest your head and store your belongings is much more than a physical location—it's something closer to a state of mind. As such, the items that belong in it should be both satisfyingly functional and a pleasure to look at; they should also be things that gain meaning and impart happiness over time. If your shopping list was limited to the basics the last time you moved (read sofa, bed, table, plates) or you knocked off most of your decorating in a single trip to IKEA, it may be time for a brief tutorial in the essentials. So we compiled this list of must-haves you never knew you needed. Add these to your abode and you'll be living—and entertaining—in style in no time.

Art You Love

With the proliferation of online sources offering great art at good prices and a burgeoning business of companies framing just about anything, there's truly no excuse for bare walls. Original works, personal photographs, and even memorabilia like coasters or postcards can live in aesthetic harmony on a gallery wall like this one featuring art from Minted.

Guest Linens

Having an overnight guest shouldn't mean pulling out the summer camp–era sleeping bag. Stash an extra set of sheets (like these flannel ones from Boll & Branch) and an extra towel so you're never caught off guard as host.

An Entry Table

Not only does it serve as a focal point, but a foyer or entry table, like this one in Julianna Margulies's New York City apartment, is a functional catchall for mail, keys, and other necessities you're likely to misplace. Keep a bowl, tray, or box on it to corral those items.

Table Linens

There's something decadent about freshly pressed linens, but despite what you may have learned at your grandmother's formal table, they don't have to feel stuffy and overdone. Take this example by Mark Hampton, where a bare table set with white linen placemats creates a fresh, airy vibe. Bonus: They're much more eco-friendly than paper, and even IKEA carries them (for $1.99, no less).

Plants

Besides bringing a touch of nature indoors, house plants add color and texture to the home, as in this Miles Redd–designed living room. If you're a cook, they can be functional, too: Plant some basil, thyme, or other spices in pretty pots for a personal herb garden.

Multiple Lighting Sources

From work to entertaining to sleep, we do lots of things in our homes at many times of day, so it's fitting that we should have different lighting options available to us. A single overhead system just won't cut it; science even says so. Adding at least one table, floor, or desk lamp to every area in your home (this living room corner by Katherine Newman has four) will instantly elevate your mood.

A Coat Rack

Walking into your home and tossing a coat on the nearest surface is only acceptable in a dorm room (and even then it's questionable). Whether you have a full mudroom (like this enviable one at Amanda Brooks's English country estate), just a section of hallway, or even the back of a door, a coat rack or some pretty hooks will work wonders to declutter.

A Bookshelf

Whether it's built-in shelves, a vintage cabinet like this one from Tory Burch's office, or a basic model, every home should have chic shelving to store favorite reading as well as framed photos and other meaningful mementos. With the right styling, there are virtually no rules when it comes to what's on your shelf, so these pieces are the perfect place for personal expression.

A Sumptuous Throw

Tossed over the end of a bed or across the back of a sofa, throws add visual interest and coziness. As this blanket from Sferra proves, they also come in every color of the rainbow, so you're sure to find one that suits your style.

Matching Wineglasses

When a friend arrives with a bottle of wine, you shouldn't have to scrounge through every cabinet and come up with a mismatched array. Invest in a quality set, like the simple shapes from Snowe Home, and your happy-hour game will be instantly upgraded.

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